The event grows larger every year with special events and celebrity guests as MBX salutes Egypt this year.
More than 20,000 people will converge on Memphis this June for the Memphis Black Expo (MBX), held June 2nd through 6th. Now in its seventh year, the Memphis Black Expo continues to offer bigger, more varied and more exciting events across Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee. Special celebrity guests include syndicated columnist and TV host Roland Martin, civil rights activist, comedian and entrepreneur Dick Gregory and R & B superstar Ginuwine among many more.
Memphis Black Expo event highlights:
- Conscious Cinema & Panel Discussion at the Malco Paradiso with Dick Gregory
- Welcome to Memphis Reception at STAX Museum with Ginuwine and Grammy winner Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell
- Cultural Festival at Agricenter International – Memphis with Roland Martin,
8 Ball (of 8 Ball & MJG), Drumma Boy and Murphy Lee
- Visual Art and Fashion Party at 409 S. Main Street with TV personality Porsha Williams
With the varied celebrity appearances, bookings of top-flight venues, and big plate of events, this year’s expo has MBXX founder Viara Iyadunni incredibly excited. “My team and I continue to put together an expo that is relevant and different,” Iyadunni said. “This year we honor Egypt, and are even arranging a week-long trip there. I’m sure this will be our best expo to date.“ Ticket sales and vendor opportunities are available now. For ticket and vendor information visit the website www.MemphisBlackExpo.com.
Sponsors of Memphis Black Expo 2016 include Brinson Tax Service, Memphis Light Gas and Water, WMC-TV 5, iHeart Media, Controlalt Designs, MLE, GCA Services Group, ServiceMaster, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Civil Rights Museum and Soulsville Foundation and Subroy Dance Studios.
About MBX
Memphis Black Expo (MBX) highlights small, black-owned businesses while raising cultural awareness and encouraging cultural curiosity and social consciousness. Founded by Viara Iyadunni in March of 2008, MBX, provides a unique experience that focuses on important and complex themes like cultural exchange and cooperative economics, while still being a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. The annual production is planned for more than one year, and has grown every year from its initial, 2008 attendance of 700 guests and 45 vendors.
Full Schedule of Events
June 2-6, 2016
THURSDAY | June 2
Black Expo Conscious Cinema & Panel Discussion
Thursday June 2, 2016
Location: Malco Paradiso
584 S Mendenhall Rd
Memphis, TN 38117
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Celebrity Guest Panelist: Dick Gregory
FRIDAY| June 3
Black Expo “Welcome to Memphis” Reception
An Evening with Ginuwine & Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell
Lifetime Achievement Award in Soulful Music
Friday June 3, 2016
STAX Museum of American Soul Music
926 E. McLemore Ave
Memphis, TN 38126
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
2016 Honoree: Ginuwine & Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell
Brought To You By: GCA Services & Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau
SATURDAY| June 4
Black Expo Cultural Festival & Black Business Showcase
Saturday June 4, 2016
Agricenter International
7777 Walnut Grove
Memphis, TN 38120
10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Celebrity Guest: Roland Martin, Murphy Lee, 8 Ball, Al Kapone, and Drumma Boy
SATURDAY| June 4
Black Expo Neo-Soul Food Festival
Saturday June 4, 2016
Agricenter International
7777 Walnut Grove
Memphis, TN 38120
10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Brought To You By: ServiceMaster
SATURDAY| June 4
Black Expo Youth Empowerment Conference
Saturday June 4, 2016
Agricenter International
7777 Walnut Grove
Memphis, TN 38120
Noon – 3:00 p.m.
SATURDAY| June 4
Black Expo After Party
Saturday June 4, 2016
Brinson’s Downtown
341 Madison Ave
Memphis, TN 38103
9:00 p.m.
SUNDAY | June 5
Black Expo “Art of Fashion”
Visual Art & Fashion Party
Sunday June 5, 2016
409 S. Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103
5:02 p.m. – 6:05 p.m. Moreno BHLV Mixer & Art Show
6:11 p.m. – 8:17 p.m. Fashion Party
MONDAY | June 6
Black Expo Closing Dinner
For Memphis Black Expo 2016 Sponsors & Vendors Only
Monday June 6, 2016
National Civil Rights Museum
450 Mulberry St
Memphis, TN 38103
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
**Sponsors & Vendors Must RSVP
Brought To You By: National Civil Rights Museum
Revelation Tour |
June 13-17
Monday, June 13- Friday, June17
Egypt (Memphis, Cairo and Luxor)
An annual week-long cultural and history trip. The trip is a continuation of the Memphis Black Expo and consists of a group of individuals dedicated to the exploration and spread of culture.